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U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.65 Million to Support Automotive Manufacturing in Berkeley County, South Carolina

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
February 12, 2016

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.65 million grant to Berkeley County, South Carolina to construct a new regional sewer system to support automaker Volvo’s first U.S. manufacturing facility. According to the grantee, this project will help to create 2,000 jobs and spur $500 million in private investment.

“The Obama administration is focused on attracting foreign direct investment to the United States to create critical jobs for our workers,” said Secretary Pritzker. “This EDA investment will help to establish Volvo’s first U.S. manufacturing plant, creating 2,000 jobs and expanding South Carolina’s critical automotive sector.”

EDA’s investment will help to build a new regional water system consisting of collection and conveyance lines and a large regional pump station to support the industrial park in which the new Volvo manufacturing facility will be located. Situated approximately 25 miles northwest of Charleston, the facility will have a positive economic impact in Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Colleton, and portions of Orangeburg, Williamsburg, Clarendon, Calhoun, and Bamberg counties.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The Economic Development Administration marks 50 years of public service, leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.